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Do you know more about apps for your phone than apps for your browser? Many are unaware that apps and other add-ons are available for their browsers, are often free, and can provide unique tools to make their online experience better. So if you are a busy philanthropic professional, what apps might you want to try?

If you use the Chrome browser, check the web store[12] for Stremor’s Too Long Didn’t Read[13] or TLDR. For busy grantmakers, this free app can provide summaries of online content so that you can gain the gist of a long document. While it won’t be successful with every online document you try, it is a handy tool for those who need to be aware of information but just don’t have a lot of time. If you would like something similar to the document TLDR summarizes for you, click the find more like this option and you will be able to check the summarization in Stremor’s Samuru[14] search tool. For those of you who need to summarize while on the run, check out the TLDR mobile option[15]. Another app that may be of interest is TechSmith’s Snagit app[16]. The app allows the user to create screenshots and annotate them. In addition, the tool will auto-create a folder in your Google Drive account to store the images created.

If you don’t use Chrome but are a Firefox user instead, you may want to check out Firefox’s add-ons site[17]. Once there, give Cool Previews[18] a try. This free extension, created by Cool Iris, provides the user with an opportunity to preview links and images without leaving the current page. For Safari users, check out the Safari extensions[19] web site. Just be aware that you will need to have at least Safari 6 installed on your computer to use Safari extensions. This requirement will leave Safari for Windows[20] users unable to install extensions.

So, how does one install apps and extensions for their browser? This is pretty straight-forward and directions for each browser are easily available. For instance, Google’s Chrome browser has an app launcher[21] that provides users with an opportunity to launch apps from the desktop. Firefox has an add-on site and Safari has an extension site where you can select what you need. Once you have installed an app or an extension, you usually have the option to enable or disable it within the settings or preferences area of your browser. If you find that an app or extension just isn’t the right fit, you can disable or uninstall it as quickly as you added it on.

In conclusion, you may find just the right tool you need to help you work more effectively in a place you may never have thought of - your browser. For those who are already making use of browser apps and extensions, what would you recommend for others to use? What have you found to be especially helpful?